Final answer:
Twentieth-century psychologists evolved the study of psychology through shifts from Structuralism to Behaviorism and, later, to the Cognitive Revolution. They also advocated for inclusivity and interdisciplinary approaches, intertwining psychology with other scientific disciplines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychologists in the 20th century significantly altered the approach to studying psychology in a few key ways. The early part of the century saw a continuation of the work done by Wilhelm Wundt and William James, where psychology began to establish itself as a separate scientific discipline distinct from philosophy. This period was characterized by approaches such as Structuralism, introduced by Wundt, which aimed at breaking down mental processes into their most basic elements. The mid-20th century was marked by the emergence of Behaviorism, led by figures such as John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, which shifted the focus almost entirely to observable behavior, sidelining the study of the mind itself. This was in part a reaction to the subjective nature of studying inner experiences. However, by the 1950s, a shift back toward studying mental processes began, known as the Cognitive Revolution. This was driven by innovations in related sciences like neuroscience and computer science, which provided new tools and concepts for understanding the mind. Notably, Ulric Neisser's work helped shape this new direction with his publication of the first cognitive psychology textbook. Apart from these significant shifts in focus, the 20th century also saw psychology become more inclusive and interdisciplinary. The inclusion of women in psychology research, such as the works of Margaret Floy Washburn and Mary Whiton Calkins, diversified the perspectives within the field. Psychology also began to integrate with other disciplines such as linguistics, anthropology, and neuroscience, leading to a richer and more complex understanding of behavior and mental processes. This interdisciplinary approach is at the heart of the contemporary cognitive sciences.